Nashoba artists grab spotlight

Friday

May 23, 2014 at 6:00 AMMay 23, 2014 at 8:49 PM

By Verity Sayles ITEM CORRESPONDENT

BOLTON — Last Thursday night, the usually quiet media center at Nashoba Regional High School was a colorful buzz of parents and students attending an Art Gallery Opening. While the senior art students usually display their work during honors night, this gallery was unique because it featured the work of students in all grades.

"We haven't done something like this for at least six years," said art teacher Judy French.

The transformation of the library into an art gallery was truly a labor of love by both the students and their teachers. Hundreds of works of art lined the wall, were pinned to bookshelves, and hung on the blinds.

"This is an opportunity for students to come together and collaborate, to put on a show, to learn how to put together an exhibit, and see firsthand the amount of work required," French said. In addition to French, teachers Joya Smith and Bree Betke spent their free periods mounting the works, labeling each piece and typing up short descriptions from the artists to explain their work.

Senior Chris Buck got in touch with some of his musician friends and organized a line up of performers throughout the night. Parents and students brought baked goods, and the lively atmosphere was reminiscent of a professional exhibition.

"We have a wide, eclectic variety of art, and it is a great opportunity for the community to come out," Smith said. The visual puns drew a lot of attention and laughs from visitors. A ceramic house with legs represented "home run," a small sculpted pot sprouting fried eggs for "eggplant" and a piece of toast sporting a beret, mustache and thin cigarette for "French toast."

French described the light-hearted and supportive atmosphere in the ceramics studio as her students sculpted.

Ordinarily, students would display their work in to their classes alone, and this gallery was an opportunity for their peers and the community to glimpse the products of hours in the art room.

"It's refreshing to see students excited about each other's work," Smith said. As students peered to read the names and descriptions on each piece, they murmured praise and surprise at the talent of some of their peers.

Graham Atkinson, a senior, came to the gallery opening to support his friends.

"(This gallery) a spectacular demonstration of the skill, talent and dedication that the students at this school," Atkinson said.

Eric Watterson, a senior AP art student, had 24 of his required pieces featured on a slide show, as many originals had been sent to the AP board for deliberation.

"It's pretty exciting," Watterson said. "It's the first time we've done it seriously in our own slot."

"We have a very inquisitive crowd," French said. "Parents are thrilled about their kids work, and the kids are excited to be featured."

"Parents and other teachers have come up and thanked me, and suggested we do this all the time," Bree said.